Monthly Archives: March 2025

The South east Development commission SEDC earlier today held an interactive session with the leaders of the organized private sector OPS at old Government Lodge GRA Enugu State.
SEDC team came fully led by their Managing Director Mark Okoye. His Excellency Gov Peter Mbah was ably represented by Hon Comnissioner for investment and trade Enugu state. Mrs Adaora Chukwu, Surv LCK Ugwu 9CCIMA president, Executive Director operations Barr okonkwo and other leaders of South East Chambers of commerce SECCIMA President Mr Humphrey Ngonadi and others. It was very successful. A new dawn has come to Ndigbo which has been waited for over 54years. South East will become what God has destined her to be and 9th Mile Chamber is part of the New Dawn in Igboland.

On March 7, 2025, the National Association of Surface Tank Oil and Gas Retailers of Nigeria (NASTOGRN) inaugurated its executive members and officially launched its operations in Enugu State at the Hon. S. J. Nnaji Hall, Enugu South Local Government Secretariat.

NASTOGRN was established under the Federal Character CAC/IT/NO.95849 as part of the Federal Government’s initiatives to enhance the Oil and Gas Industry, particularly in the downstream sector. The organization aims to increase the local availability of gas and petroleum products, create jobs, and stimulate socio-economic development through indigenous participation and private investment. This includes facilitating the establishment of modular refineries in Nigeria.

The goal of NASTOGRN is to economically empower low- and medium-income earners in Nigeria through legal retailing of gas and petroleum products. This will be achieved by setting up State Fabrication Centres for surface tanks in all 36 states, regulated by NASTOGRN to ensure the elimination of pipeline vandalism, bunkering, exploitation, hoarding by dubious middlemen, sharp practices, artificial fuel scarcity, and the adulteration of gas and petroleum products in the distribution chain. NASTOGRN aims to provide efficient and effective services that will engage the community and help curb criminality and social vices associated with unemployment and lack of industrialization.

The National President and BOT Chairman of NASTOGRN, Hon. (Dr.) Marcus Okotete, alongside Vice President Chief (Amb) Bishop Esther Edem, inaugurated the executives and launched the operations of NASTOGRN in Enugu State. The event was attended by representatives from various Nigerian law enforcement agencies, including the Police Area Command, the Civil Defense Corps, the Federal Fire Service, as well as religious leaders and traditional rulers.

Surv. Ozor L.C.K. Ugwu was inaugurated as the Enugu State Chairman of NASTOGRN, alongside four other members of the state executive.

In his acceptance speech, Surv. Ozor Leo Ugwu pledged to uphold the integrity of NASTOGRN and work diligently to ensure its presence across the wards and local government areas (LGAs) of Enugu State. He also called on the people of Enugu State to engage with this initiative to protect and promote local retailers of oil and gas.

Law enforcement agencies, the Federal Fire Service, religious leaders, and traditional rulers commended NASTOGRN for this commendable initiative and pledged their support for its operation in Enugu State.